- Weeks 1-4: Winter aconite (Eranthis sp.) and snowdrops (Galanthus sp.) are hardy bulbs for shady gardens that frequently push up through snow to bloom now.
- Weeks 1-4: Water evergreens if the soil is dry and unfrozen.
- Weeks 1-4: Inspect summer bulbs in storage to be sure none are drying out. Discard any that show signs of rot.
- Weeks 1-4: Enjoy the fragrant blooms of the Ozark Witch Hazel flowering in shrub borders or wooded areas on warm sunny days.
- Weeks 1-4: Take geranium cuttings now. Keep the foliage dry to avoid leaf and stem diseases.
- Weeks 2-4: Sow seeds of larkspur, sweet peas, Shirley poppies and snapdragons where they are to grow outdoors now. To bloom best, these plants must sprout and begin growth well before warm weather arrives.
- Weeks 2-3: Seeds of slow-growing annuals like ageratum, verbena, petunias, geraniums, coleus, impatiens and salvia may be started indoors now.
- Week 4: Dormant sprays can be applied to ornamental trees and shrubs now. Do this on a mild day while temperatures are above freezing.
- Week 4: Start tuberous begonias indoors now. “Non-stop” varieties perform well in in this climate.
Article provided by Missouri Botanical Garden
